29. "Document".--The word "document" denotes any matter expressed
or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks,
or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may
be used, as evidence of that matter.
Explanation 1.--It is immaterial by what means or upon what
substance the letters, figures or marks are formed, or whether the
evidence is intended for, or may be used in, a Court of Justice, or
not.
Illustrations
A writing expressing the terms of a contract, which may be used
as evidence of the contract, is a document.
A cheque upon a banker is a document.
A power-of-attorney is a document.
A map or plan which is intended to be used or which may be used
as evidence, is a document.
A writing containing directions or instructions is a document.
Explanation 2.--Whatever is expressed by means of letters,
figures or marks as explained by mercantile or other usage, shall be
deemed to be expressed by such letters, figures or marks within the
meaning of this section, although the same may not be actually
expressed.
Illustration
A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange payable to
his order. The meaning of the endorsement as explained by mercantile
usage, is that the bill is to be paid to the holder. The endorsement
is a document, and must be construed in the same manner as if the
words "pay to the holder" or words to that effect had been written
over the signature.
30.
"Valuable security".
30. "Valuable security".--The words "valuable security" denote a
document which is, or purports to be, a document whereby any legal
right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or
released, or who hereby any person acknowledges that he lies under
legal liability, or has not a certain legal right.
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Subs. by Act 1 of 1889, s. 9, for the original Explanation.
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